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Perez to see more time against Chicago lefties

Perez to see more time against Chicago lefties

KANSAS CITY -- Omar Infante's ankle injury was supposed to be an opportunity for infield prospect Hernan Perez to get a taste of the big leagues. The way he has gone so far, he's down to a nibble.

He'll get a bigger chunk of playing time coming up in Chicago, where the Tigers will face lefties Chris Sale and Hector Santiago on consecutive days. Though Ramon Santiago is a switch-hitter, manager Jim Leyland prefers the right-handed hitting Perez against lefties.

"That's what he's here for," Leyland said.

Against righties, though, Leyland will opt for Santiago. It doesn't mean that he has frowned on Perez as a prospect, but his wording makes it clear that Perez isn't ready yet for regular big league playing time.

"He's young, very talented and I think he's a terrific, terrific prospect," Leyland said. "I really like him a lot, and I don't think he's far away."

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. Read Beck's Blog and follow him on Twitter @beckjason. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.